The article examines the development leading to the end of the collaboration between Barnard and Eldershaw and explores elements of tension within the collaboration in an attempt to find out why Barnard in her later comments consistently tried to diminish Eldershaw's contribution to the latter stages of their partnership. From letters examined and comments in Nettie Palmer's diary, Dever concludes that Barnard's relationship with Frank Dalby Davison, and the role he played in the group of friends, had a considerable impact on the partnership and on the way Barnard presented the collaboration after Eldershaw's death.